LocationsFarmers in Illela, Sokoto State, are proving that with the right support, even communities affected by conflict can achieve food security, economic prosperity and resilience.
With the Right Support, Food Security Is Possible” — Illela Farmers
November 18, 2025
Alhaji Tanimum Musa, widely known as Zarki Noma (King of Farmers) in Illela Local Government Area (LGA), Sokoto State, is more than a seasoned cultivator.
UNDP Nigeria/Ayodeji Adeyemo
Building on the progress made under the Prevention Facility Project, farmers in Northwestern Nigeria are now transitioning into large-scale producers, with trade networks extending as far as southern Nigeria. Access to improved seedlings, fertilizers and modern farming techniques has enabled many former subsistence farmers to operate at a commercial scale.
This shift is increasing household incomes, improving food security, creating jobs, driving local development and significantly enhancing community resilience to conflict. The rise of farming cooperatives and associations has also strengthened solidarity among farmers, giving them greater bargaining power and a buffer against shocks. Beyond economic benefits, this agricultural transformation is fostering cross-community cooperation. It demonstrates that with the right support, resilience and collective action can overcome adversity. In a region long impacted by insecurity, these successes are restoring livelihoods and paving the way for peace and stability.
Among the many success stories, three farmers; Alhaji Tanimum Musa, Ibrahim Anaruwa, and Sani Madugu stand out. Their journeys are powerful testaments to what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity. They reflect the broader impact of the Prevention Facility Project, showing how conflict-affected communities can shift from mere survival to prosperity, securing livelihoods and strengthening regional food systems.
Alhaji Tanimum Musa, widely known as Zarki Noma (King of Farmers) in Illela Local Government Area (LGA), Sokoto State, is more than a seasoned cultivator. At 68, he is regarded as the custodian of a proud farming legacy passed down through generations. For decades, Alhaji farmed six expansive plots, producing high yields and employing local youth who depended on his operations. However, insecurity, climate change, and lack of access to improved inputs forced him to abandon four of those farms, leaving only two in limited use.
“I got the title of Zarki Noma because I inherited farming from my forefathers, it is what my family is known for in Illela. We made it a mission to feed our community through farming. But with insecurity and the changing climate, I could no longer access some of my farms out of fear of being kidnapped or attacked. I had to reduce my activities to just two lands out of six. It affected me deeply because I have always been used to producing large harvests and giving young people work opportunities. At one point, I even considered giving up my title as Zarki Noma, but I chose to keep the tradition alive.” — Alhaji Tanimum Musa
Before the rise in insecurity, Alhaji harvested over 50 bags of grains annually, selling them at a profit and reinvesting in other small businesses. But once insecurity took hold, he and many others in Illela lost access to large portions of farmland.
“I have been affected by bandit activities, and it has greatly affected my livelihood. Not just me, but the majority of farmers in Illela. We now resort to the limited resources within Illela and its surroundings, and this has led to the depreciation of land fertility. The lands we could once rotate, and rest are now overworked because we no longer have safe access to the others. Yields have dropped, profits have reduced, and the burden on farmers like me has doubled,” he explained.
Still, Alhaji clung to his title and legacy, driven by a deep commitment to his family's heritage. His turning point came with the Prevention Facility Project, which provided improved seedlings, fertilizers and other essential farming inputs. As peace gradually returned, Alhaji began reclaiming his abandoned lands. The new seedlings, resilient against harsh weather, paired with nutrient-rich fertilizers, offered a second chance.
“Before now, I thought my days as a farmer were numbered. But with the support we are receiving, I now harvest more than I imagined possible under the current situation. I’ve gone from struggling to make ends meet to gradually restoring my huge productivity. My children are back on the farm, and I can once again employ young people from the community. This has brought back dignity to my work and strengthened my belief that farming is still our future,” he said with a smile.
Today, Alhaji is not just surviving; he’s thriving. Once again, he embodies the title Zarki Noma, proving that with resilience and the right support, transformation is possible, even amid insecurity.
“Just this concluded harvest, I recorded over 250 bags of grains, carrots, onions, and maize. Each bag sold for ₦17,000, and I am so happy to be contributing to the food chain not just in Illela but across the Northwest region. This success is all thanks to the support we received from the Sokoto State Government, the German Government, and UNDP. I am truly grateful for this life-changing intervention for us farmers. God bless you all,” says Alhaji with a broad smile.
This support has been truly inspirational for farmers in Illela LGA, as they are now preparing to strengthen collaborations and build stronger connections with other farmers within and beyond their communities. Inspired by stories like Alhaji’s, farmers in Illela LGA are preparing to build stronger collaborations and expand their networks. Thanks to the solid backing from the German Government and the Sokoto State Government, agriculture in the region is undergoing a remarkable turnaround.
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